High-speed car chase in Airway Heights

The Airway Heights Police Department engaged in a high-speed vehicle pursuit on Oct. 3, chasing a suspect in multiple stolen vehicles all over the city before apprehending him along Highway 2.

The pursuit began on South Lawson Street when 29-year-old Bryan D. Gilbert-Maple stole an unattended silver Mitsubishi that was left running in front of a residence, according to a news release. Police followed Gilbert-Maple for several blocks but terminated the pursuit near Sunset Elementary.

The stolen vehicle was traveling at more than 70 miles per hour near the school, so officers backed off due to Gilbert-Maple’s excessive speed and reckless driving, said Airway Heights Patrol Sgt. Bob Swan.

Shortly after the terminated pursuit, the stolen vehicle was involved in an accident on Highway 2 and Craig Road, rolling several times before coming to a stop in a field. Several people pulled over to assist with the accident, and according to reports, Gilbert-Maple exited the damaged vehicle and told onlookers there was another person in the car. While bystanders attempted to help, he allegedly stole a second vehicle, a dark Ford Expedition, from a motorist who had stopped to help.

Airway Heights police officers pursued the second stolen vehicle across the city as it drove up to 120 miles per hour. Other agencies also responded, including the Airway Heights Fire Department and the Kalispel Tribal Police. The vehicle sped down allies and roads, sometimes in the wrong lane of traffic, avoiding two separate sets of spike strips deployed by officers.

On Highway 2 at Loffler Street, a Kalispel officer performed a pit maneuver, essentially ramming the other vehicle head-on to end the pursuit. According to police, Gilbert-Maple exited the vehicle and tried to run, but was apprehended and taken into custody a short distance away.

The cooperation between agencies that made the arrest possible is a regular occurrence for local departments, Swan said.

“That’s normal for us, we help each other out,” Swan said.

The Airway Heights Police Department is requesting contact from anyone who witnessed this incident or those who had to pull off the roadway to avoid these vehicles to contact the Airway Heights Police Department at (509) 244-3707.

Shannen Talbot can be reached at [email protected].